Objectives: Determination of the transport mechanisms and the three-dimensional structure of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microbial communities. The work is done in relationship to the spatial structure(s) of the thermal intervals and isotherms of their optimal temperature range and limiting temperatures.

Findings and Status: Galerkin-based finite-element numerical simulations have been completed for the determination of the flow velocity vectors and the thermal structure of theoretical end-member microbial transport scenarios. These include: (I) Continuous convective transport of microbes in fractured and microporous volcanic rock; (II) Continuous convective transport in multiply- fractured volcanic rock.;These simulations have produced maps of two-dimensional slices through the subsurface of fractured volcanic substructures appropriate to the deep structure of Yellowstone’s fracture-controlled hydrothermal conduits. In cross-section the simulations depict the time-space evolution of the regions of stability for (i) thermophilic microbes (50-80 C); (ii) hyperthermophilic microbes (80-113 C); and selected macromolecules (114-~200 C).; Manuscripts for Journal publication reporting these, and other, general findings are now in preparation.

For this study, were one or more specimens collected and removed from the park but not destroyed during analyses? No

Funding provided this reporting year by NPS: 0

Funding provided this reporting year by other sources: 0

Full name of college or university: n/a

Annual funding provided by NPS to university or college this reporting year: 0